According to congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Sentsov and Kolchenko's only fault was in their peaceful protest against the Russian annexation of Crimea, after which they were taken hostage on the territory of Ukraine, dragged to Russia and imprisoned there. She says it is an infamy of justice, violating previous Russia's commitments to exchange prisoners captured during the war in Ukraine."

Senator Richard Durbin calls the Ukrainian's conviction a clear demonstration of how far Vladimir Putin is ready to go to divert attention from brutal suppression of freedom, corruption and failed economy in his own country. He also recalls the illegal arrest of Nadiia Savchenko and ongoing trial against her.

"The imprisonment of these three individuals and other hostages is a flagrant violation of the Minsk agreements. In fact, Russia has failed to live up to many of its commitments as it continues to instigate violence in the region," the senator stated.